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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Arizona Bike Week "Hero" Kimmy Chapman Killed in Crash

Many at Arizona Bike Week are in shock and deeply saddened by the death of Kimmy Chapman in a Right of Way violation crash yesterday in Arizona. She received the Arizona Hero Award in 2009 for her devotion to the rally. She was the founding owner of the Biker Information Guide. Her life companion Mark S Tapp was seriously injured. Kimmy was a passenger on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was traveling eastbound on Bell Road, according to Phoenix investigators. When they entered the intersection at 43rd Avenue the driver of a Nissan Rogue failed to yield and made a left turn in front of them. Tapper is in serious condition. There are plans underway to honor her during one or more events at Arizona Bike Week & WestWorld Cyclefest. - The bike community is also outraged because the 22-year old driver is not expected to be charged in the crash. There is currently only pending legislation (HB2523) that would create a vehicular manslaughter charge in Arizona. Under the current state law, Arizona drivers who cause fatal accidents can only be charged with a misdemeanor crime, even if they're supposed to be off the roadways due to a license suspension.